ROBBY ROMERO
Musician,
Writer, Producer, Director, Founding President of
Native Children's Survival
“In the spirit of Woody Guthrie’s Tom Joad, Robby Romero is there wherever Native Americans are fighting for their rights. He is an articulate artist and advocate for the causes and concerns behind a cultural resistance that is older than this country.”
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discography
Robby Romero rose to prominence with the global broadcast of his first music picture campaign, IS IT TOO LATE, and his designation as a United Nations Ambassador Of Youth For The Environment. Robby uses art to bridge the gap between Indigenous Peoples, human rights, and social and environmental justice. He does this through his grassroots group Native Children's Survival, a nonprofit Indigenous Peoples Organization in special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Robby has spoken and performed, and his work has premiered at Indigenous gatherings and world events across the globe, from the Traditional Circle of Elders and Youth to the United Nations Environment Programme, Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and Conference of the Parties on Climate Change and Biodiversity.
“Since VH1 began airing Inside Music segments featuring Robby Romero the Viewer Services Hotline has been bombarded by calls.”
“I wouldn’t compare Red Thunder to any others. I’ve heard Robby and his message, I know him as a person. He is a spiritual essence. He is the voice of young Native Americans. It makes me proud as an Elder. The movement for the young people is getting stronger and it will live forever.”
“A man with a tremendous ego for his Peoples! His humility and sense of self worth is Awesome.”
AS A MUSICIAN…
Robby's alter-native music has taken him from the heart of Indian Country to the main street of the world, with critical acclaim and success. His music pictures have been featured on MTV and VH1, introducing Native Rock Music to the music television generation. Robby's live performances and "Call To Action" campaigns have transcended boundaries from MTV's "Street Party" live broadcast in the Indigenous territories of the Southwest to the music industry's renowned theaters, pavilions, amphitheaters, and arenas worldwide.
“Red Thunder spreads a positive spiritual, environmental message around the globe.”
Robby has shared the stage with an array of musicians, including Carlos Santana and Bonnie Raitt, Angelique Kidjo and Cat Stevens, and Richie Havens and Eric Clapton. He has spoken and performed at concerts, rallies, and events, shining the light on notable figures, such as Ole Cassadore-Davis, founder of the Apache Survival Coalition, Hopi Elder Thomas Banyacya, Tulalip Indigenous Rights Activist Janet McCloud, and Haudenosaunee Faithkeeper Oren Lyons. He has participated in artistic and social activist collaborations with Chief Orval Looking Horse, Reverend James Parks Morton, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and heads of state, including Nelson Mandela, Mikhail Gorbachev, Juan Evo Morales Ayma, and Shimon Peres. Robby's music, groundbreaking Indian Country Tour, and the H.O.R.D.E. Festivals, founded by Blues Traveler, have featured everyone from Joanne Shenandoah, Charlie Hill, Yothu Yindi, and Ziggy Marley to Neil Young, Taj Mahal, Rickie Lee Jones, and Lenny Kravitz, to name a few.
“Robby Romero and his band Red Thunder are changing the world
— and the world of music.”
AS A FILMMAKER…
Robby’s innovative music pictures, stereotype-breaking public service announcements, and social and environmental-themed films have catapulted him into an arena of his own making. His 1993 directorial film debut MAKOCE WAKAN: SACRED EARTH, first screened at a press conference with the United States Senate Committee on Indian Affairs at the Senate Rotunda Building in Washington, D.C.
“Feedback has been more than positive. Congratulations on a very successful show that has generated more viewer calls than any other show to date. ”
MAKOCE WAKAN: SACRED EARTH premiered on VH1 as a World Alert Special to help generate awareness in support of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act for the protection of Native Peoples religious freedom, sacred sites, and ceremonial practices. His fight against racism, dehumanizing stereotypes, derogatory names, misconceptions, and generalizations about Indigenous Peoples in sports and pop culture won the industry’s prestigious CableACE Award as part of MTV’s “Free Your Mind” Campaign. Robby’s work has premiered on national and international networks, from Sundance TV to SABC Africa.
“Hidden Medicine is an experimental, mystical film that deals with the relationship between Indigenous Peoples and the environment. The film beautifully weaves story, poetry, music and politics, creating an impending sense of our planet’s struggle to survive.”
AS A PRODUCER…
Robby has worked with a variety of artists. In the spirit of the Traditional Circle of Elders and Youth, Robby captured recordings of the P TOWN BOYZ and RED LAKE SINGERS. The P TOWN BOYZ, hailing from the traditional village of Ponemah on the Red Lake Indian Reservation, are a highly regarded Ojibwe youth drum group. Their self-titled debut album, which showcases the art of renowned Ojibwa artist Joe Geshick (1943-2009), received critical acclaim and cultural accolades. The P Town Boyz have remained a mainstay in Indian Country's Indigenous music scene. Following the P TOWN BOYZ debut release, Floyd (Buck) Jourdain Jr., then Chairman of Red Lake Nation, asked Robby to record the renowned Elder drum group, Red Lake Singers. Their record, OLD TIMES, captures and preserves the old songs and old-style Ojibwe singing at Red Lake. Both recordings feature an Indigenous music genre known as Pow Wow Music.
“There are many reasons to fall in love with the Ojibwe Drum group P. Town Boyz from the Red Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota… their young, powerful vocals offer a new and refreshing addition to the Native Drum genre.”
Robby's music has been featured in TV shows and films, including HIDDEN MEDICINE, AMERICAN'S LAST FRONTIER, HEARTBEAT ALASKA, PUZZLE PLACE, and CAPTAIN PLANET. At the request of Phoenix Pictures' Chairman/CEO Mike Medavoy, Robby recorded the traditional Native music for the Twentieth Century Fox film PATHFINDER.
“We had amazing feedback from our viewers and they enjoyed the educational ride, the critical message so eloquently brought across with the beauty of Alaska and music that could become a hit in South Africa.”
Honoring the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), Robby recorded Dakhóta Romero's first single, LA LLORONA, and LA LLORONA - REMASTERIZADO. The singles are mixed by Grammy-winner Steve Addabbo (Bob Dylan, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin) and remastered by Grammy-winner Rob Fraboni (Bob Marley, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan and The Band, etc.). The LA LLORONA music picture went viral with its powerfully evocative performance.
“I know it’s not blues, but it is so incredibly cool. The video (LA LLORONA) just blew me away. It is so classy and sexy. It has that magical, mystical element to it that makes it so very special. Thanks for sharing this outstanding piece of music and video!”
As part of Native Children's Survival Project Protect Awareness Campaign, Robby produced and directed EARTH REVOLUTION, a single and music picture by NCS Youth Ambassador Ta'Kaiya Blaney. EARTH REVOLUTION premiered at the Conference of Youth in Paris, France, prefaced by H.E. Laurent Fabius, French Foreign Minister and President of the Conference of the Parties on Climate Change (COP21). EARTH REVOLUTION won BEST MUSIC VIDEO at the 2016 American Indian Film Festival.
“Ta’kaiya Blaney is a key voice for Earth Revolution which is a movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people working together to empower and inspire children and youth by transforming words into actions and actions to results.”
AS A HUMANITARIAN…
Robby has organized and performed in various benefit concerts, social and political events, and fundraisers for over three decades. The proceeds generated from these events, as well as sales of eco-friendly products, have supported and funded Indigenous Peoples and Organizations worldwide. These include children's programs, environmental organizations on the front lines of climate change, Native Community Radio, music education programs, and institutions such as the American Indian College Fund and American Indian Institute.
Other beneficiaries include the Traditional Circle of Elders and Youth, American Indian Law Alliance, Blackfeet Community College Greenhouse Geodesic Dome project, Cheif Leschi Schools, Child-Rite, Desmond Tutu Peace Center, Eyak Preservation Council, GiveLove, Gwich'in Steering Committee, Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Milagro Foundation, Morning Star Institute, Očhéthi Šakówin Camp Standing Rock, Sacred Run, Sapa Dawn Center, Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Southwestern Association of Indian Arts (SWAIA) Indian Market Gala, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, The Longest Walk, Tiwa Farms, and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Specific projects that have been supported include the building of a Lakota Language Immersion School, the Wakanyeja Gluwitayan Otipi Emergency Foster Home, and the purchase of two ambulances for the Wičóni Awanyankapi Weight Clay District Emergency Medical and Fire Protection Services in Oglala, which alone saved 70 people from death or disability in the first year.
“We’re bringing a message to the world in celebration of the human rights instrument, the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples’, because music does make a difference.”
In concert with the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Native Children’s Survival’s Project Protect Awareness Campaign held a special event and screening at Taos Pueblo Day School and has led nationwide discussions at Schools across the country, from Chief Leschi, Makah, Hoh, Quileute, and Quinault youth programs in the Pacific Northwest, to New York City’s public school youth programs, about protecting Mother Earth and the need for the implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
“Robby Romero leads a discussion about protecting Mother Earth at the Taos Pueblo Day School.”
During the historic stand at Standing Rock, Robby conducted a series of concerts to #StandWithStandingRock. Working with Lakota elder Phyllis Young and Ojibwa Warrior Dennis Banks, the concert series generated awareness and support for the #WaterIsLife movement. Robby organized and partnered with Academy Award Winner Patricia Arquette, her organization GiveLove, and the Standing Rock Sioux Nation to help protect the Sacred waters of the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers. Together with hundreds of volunteers and Last Real Indians, who ran pick-ups during the harsh winter months, they built and maintained safe, sustainable sanitation for Očhéthi Šakówin Camp and Standing Rock Indian Reservation during the #NoDAP movement.
“Clashes, arrests and fears — North Dakota pipeline protest at a boiling point. Robby Romero and his fellow Native American activists have drawn a clear line on the cold North Dakota ground. ”
Očhéthi Šakówin Camp, Standing Rock
While living in his tepee at Očhéthi Šakówin Camp, Standing Rock, Robby authored several op-eds for Cultural Survival Magazine featuring his poetry and photography.
The first article, STANDING ROCK STRONGHOLD, featured Robby's photography on the cover art. Other articles include WE ARE THE CARETAKERS: THE NEXT CHAPTER OF STANDING ROCK; CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AMERICAN INDIAN MOVEMENT; LIFE OUT OF BALANCE: IS IT TOO LATE?
Born out of the Standing Rock movement and in support of the Trail of Broken Treaty's 2022 50th Anniversary, Robby wrote BORN ON THE REZ, released the single, and hit the Red Road with interviews and live performances on Native Radio, National Public Radio, and Americana and Triple-A Radio stations. The #TrailOfBrokenTreaties Radio Tour included stops from Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to Atlanta, Georgia, and the Southern Ute Indian Reservation to Nashville, Tennessee.
“Apache Musician Robby Romero to headline Mother Earth Day Live”
On Mother Earth Day 2020, the 50th Anniversary of ‘Earth Day”, Robby & Patricia teamed up again for “Earth Day Live” to discuss Climate Change and the Rights of Mother Earth. The Star-Studded Lineup includes - Native Children’s Survival board members and advisor Casey Camp-Horinek, Dakhóta Romero, and Ta’Kaiya Blaney, as well as Aimee Mann, Angélique Kidjo, Ani DiFranco, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, Jane Fonda, Jason Mraz, Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Ruffalo, Moby, Rosanna Arquette, Ziggy Marley, and many more.
“It’s unacceptable that billions of people lack clean water to drink, and children continue to die every single day because of water pollution and the lack of safe and clean toilets. I am grateful to work with my ally Robby Romero on this important Mother Earth Day conversation. He has been one of my heroes in environmental activism for decades. We worked together at Standing Rock to bring compost sanitation into the environmental sustainability conversation, and I look forward to educating more people about this critical need together.”
Robby’s humanitarian work has received multiple awards and cultural acknowledgments from an array of institutions and organizations, including The National Congress Of American Indians, The American Indian Institute, The Canku Lüta Wicocan Red Road Gathering, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, The United Nations, and Indigenous Nations and communities around the world — to the American Indian Film Festival®, CableACE Award, Gold and Platinum Records, and the counterculture Wavy Gravy Humanitarian Award.
AS AN ENTREPRENEUR...
Robby has consulted and worked with Eco-friendly companies on product development and marketing, including the Aveda Corporation, Jurlique, Under The Canopy, Missy’s Organics, and Dennis Banks Native Foods.
During the 90s, while working with Dennis Banks Native Foods and with the growing organic certification trend, Robby shared the concept “Beyond Organic” with Dennis, referring to the unmatched nutritional value and healing power of Indigenous wild foods and medicines. Dennis incorporated the term in his Native Foods line of traditional and sustainably harvested Wild Rice, Maple Syrup, and Berries.
In collaboration and to support the traditional and sustainable practices of Indigenous Peoples, Robby worked with Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher to create and develop his eponymous pure-fume™ aroma, RED THUNDER, and the prosperous “Limited” give-back beauty line, INDIGENOUS.
The cedar, sage, and sweetgrass used in the product lines were sustainably wildcrafted on Turtle Island. Their mystical scent embraces ritual and intent.
In addition, Robby created PUEBLO, a unique “Limited” southwest collection of handcrafted jewelry and personal accessories made by Buffalo Dancer silversmiths and jewelers from Taos Pueblo.
Due to popular demand, RED THUNDER, INDIGENOUS, and the PUEBLO southwest jewelry line will be relaunched with a specific mandate to give back to Indigenous Peoples and organizations at the forefront of Human Rights, the cutting-edge of Social Change, and on the frontlines of Environmental Justice.
AS A FOUNDER AND CEO…
Robby founded Native Children's Survival (NCS), a nonprofit organization that champions the rights of Indigenous Peoples, Children, and Environmental and Social Justice. NCS is a 501(c)(3) Indigenous Peoples Organization in special consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Additionally, Robby established Eagle Thunder Enterprises (ETE), an artist-owned company with four divisions: Music, Film, Publishing, and Production. Over the past 30 years, the NCS/ETE collective has reached millions across the globe through various campaigns, releases, concerts, festivals, tours, and events.
“Robby is inspirational for elders and youth. For me, his songs like “Medicine Woman” and “Heartbeat” are like my spiritual penicillin. His presence . . . his music . . . help me through hard times.”
THE HEART OF INDIAN COUNTRY TO THE MAIN STREET OF THE WORLD…
Robby has had the pleasure of speaking and performing in several prestigious venues and locations throughout his vocation. He has performed in prominent locations outside Indigenous communities, such as the United Nations General Assembly Hall, Dag Hammarskjöld Auditorium at the UN Headquarters, the Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, and the Government House in Sydney. He has also graced art and opera houses, including the House of Artists in Moscow, the Komische Opera House in Berlin, and the Haus für Mozart Opera House in Salzburg.
Additionally, Robby has spoken and performed at several museums and universities, such as the Harwood Museum of Art, the National Museum of Denmark, American Museum of Natural History, Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University, Harvard University, Dartmouth College, and the Universities of California, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, and Seattle.
Robby's performances have also occurred in various performing arts venues, including Wolf Trap Center for the Arts in Vienna, Taos Center for the Arts in Taos, Black Hills Performing Arts Center in Rapid City, and the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
He has played at stadiums, amphitheaters, arenas, and state theaters across the Americas and Europe. These include Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Downing Stadium on Randall Island in New York City, Arizona Stadium at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Penny Lane Theatre in Sapporo, Tipitina's, One Eyed Jacks, and Orpheum Theatres in New Orleans, Orpheum and State Theaters in Minneapolis, the Faena Forum in Miami Beach, the Circo Voador Flying Circus in Rio de Janeiro, Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Red Rocks Amphitheater in Boulder, and the Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View. The latter was built with concert promoter and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Bill Graham.
Various events have been held outside Indigenous communities, including concerts, festivals, and rallies. These events include the FREE PELTIER Concerts in support of American Indian Movement Political Prisoner Leonard Peltier, as well as the DRUMS ACROSS AMERICA Concert Series, SACRED RUN Tours, ALL OUR COLORS Concerts, H.O.R.D.E. Festival Tours, Encounters: An Alliance for Children Tours, EARTH DAY Anniversary Concerts, PEACE Concerts, and more. These events have taken place in diverse locations, such as the Americas and Caribbean Islands, Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and Russia. Some notable events include the GLOBAL FORUM OF SPIRITUAL AND PARLIAMENTARY LEADERS, PARLIAMENT OF THE WORLD'S RELIGIONS Indigenous Plenary Gala and Sacred Music Concert Series, the STAND WITH STANDING ROCK Concert Series, and the PLAYING FOR CHANGE Gala. Additionally, there have been performances at various rallies, actions, and grassroots gatherings, including THE LONGEST WALK and WALK TO JUSTICE.
“On my journey with peace and dignity, Robby’s music is a source of spiritual strength and inspiration for me to continue.”
“Your musical talent and leadership in the Native American community will undoubtedly help commemorate the United Nations adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples for years to come.”
Robby has used his music, voice, and presence to stand up internationally for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to safeguard Mother Earth, and celebrate all of her children. His efforts, dedication, and passion have led Robby to be honored and supported worldwide by an array of people, including Indigenous leaders and politicians, fellow artists and activists, celebrities, friends, and fans from all walks of life. Robby offers a profound voice of appreciation and action, weaving the timeless wisdom of Indigenous Peoples into the unfolding fabric of the future.
“Red Thunder, formed by Romero in 1989, continues to be one of the most popular musical groups known in “Indian Country” and around the world.”
“Robby Romero’s groundbreaking videos for MTV and VH1 merged music and activism, using his unique platform as a tool for social change. Romero created several public service announcements for MTV’s Free Your Mind Campaign during that period, and these video clips helped to dispel long-held misconceptions about Native peoples among a younger generation of viewers.”
“A prolific musician...”
“Robby Romero Honored by Sacred Hoop School”
“‘Earth Day Live’ to Celebrate 50th Earth Day With Star-Studded Lineup - Joaquin Phoenix, Patricia Arquette, Jane Fonda, Robby Romero, Al Gore to Join”
“Rights in Action. Standing Rock Stronghold ‘Where Sitting Bull Lives On and the Struggle of Our People Unfolds’ lyrics from the song BORN ON THE REZ writen by Robby Romero.”
“Red Thunder blazes a trail into American Indian rock territory weaving Native American and modern sounds into a supremely colorful musical blanket. ”
“On behalf of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, thank you for sharing your gifts at the Winnipeg National Event, held June 16-19, 2010, in honor of the survivors of Indian Residential Schools and for commemorating those who were lost.”
“A rock star from Indian Country.”
“Romero rose to great prominence with his designation as a United Nations Ambassador of Youth for the Environment in 1990, the heavy rotation of his singles on VH1 and MTV in the 1990s, and the worldwide airing of his social- and environmental-themed films including America’s Last Frontier, Hidden Medicine, and Makoce Wakan.”
“Red Thunder has commanded the largest audience of any contemporary Indian music group.”
“Robby lays down penetrating songs, drawn from the imagery of his people, for celebrations and cautionary tomes.”
“Robby Romero and Red Thunder’s ancestors and musical roots were here long before Columbus arrived.”
“Last year Indigenous Rock Star Robby Romero donated $241,000 from one of his hit records to help build a school on the Lakota Reservation…”
“Red Thunder is solid Native Rock, right down to the core.”